INDYCAR has announced two leadership role changes on Thursday.
Jay Frye, who had served as chief revenue officer of Hulman Motorsports, will take over Derrick Walker’s old role as president of competition and operations.
Rod Davis will take over Frye’s position; Davis has served in several senior executive roles with various sports organizations.
The full release from INDYCAR is below, with a teleconference to follow at the top of the hour.
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Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles announced today that widely respected motorsports industry veteran Jay Frye has been named President of Competition and Operations for INDYCAR. Frye previously served as Chief Revenue Officer for Hulman Motorsports after decades of experience leading successful NASCAR racing teams and securing industry first sponsorships.
“Jay Frye’s resume is perfectly aligned with our organization’s strategic vision,” said Miles. “He has both series and team experience, having successfully transformed and led Red Bull Racing and MB2 Motorsports before joining Hulman Motorsports. As our new President of Competition and Operations, he is ready to ensure the Verizon IndyCar Series continues to present great racing.”
Frye will be responsible for all operations, competition and technical matters for INDYCAR. He will report to Miles, who as CEO of the parent of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will set strategy and oversee all aspects of the series. Frye first arrived at Hulman Motorsports after revamping Red Bull Racing into a competitive team that earned a berth in the 2009 NASCAR Chase. He also built MB2 Motorsports from the ground up beginning with just 10 employees and ultimately reaching 200. He won four NASCAR Cup races as a team manager.
Two longtime Verizon IndyCar Series and NASCAR team owners know all too well how difficult it is to
compete against Frye and heaped praise upon today’s announcement.
“Jay Frye’s vast understanding of our industry’s entire field of play, developed most especially through his strong work in NASCAR, makes him uniquely prepared for this new opportunity,” said Roger Penske, owner of Penske Racing. “He understands our technical and competition issues and he will develop solutions that work for fans, teams and the series. As the new President of Competition and Operations, he is prepared to ensure INDYCAR’s positive momentum keeps moving forward.”
“Jay Frye brings an exceptional resume, tireless work ethic and proven ability to produce results to his new role with INDYCAR,” said Chip Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “During our years competing against each other in NASCAR, I witnessed firsthand Jay’s ability to successfully run a top-notch organization. He’s a proven leader and as a team owner I am excited to work with him as we embark upon a truly monumental season.”
Taking over Frye’s vacated position will be Rod Davis, formerly serving in senior executive roles with the Indiana Sports Corporation, USA Gymnastics, RCA Championships and USA Swimming. Throughout his career, Davis has secured nearly $100 million in revenue through sponsorships, broadcast revenue and event fees while working with top global brands such as Panasonic, Coca-Cola, John Hancock, VISA and adidas. After founding Davis Sports Marketing a decade ago, he has represented leading organizations such as the NCAA, University of Notre Dame, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and USA Track & Field.
“As our new Chief Revenue Officer, Rod Davis will successfully execute sponsorship deals already in the pipeline and find new partnerships to increase revenue and market share,” said Miles. “His proven
ability to build mutually beneficial relationships with leading Fortune 500 companies will pay dividends
for both IMS and the Verizon IndyCar Series.”
“Hulman Motorsports has hired one of the most creative minds and effective fundraisers and marketers in the sports industry,” said University of Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick. “Rod’s track record with a host of major sports properties over many years suggests that he will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the future of both IMS and INDYCAR.”
“Rod Davis is a proven leader in sales and sponsor relations who understands the sports business and knows how to effectively build partnerships between sports properties and private sector companies,” added USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus.